New Movies: Confidente (2025) by Çağla Zencirci, Guillaume Giovanetti: Among the Rubble of the Soul, A Voice of Survival
- dailyentertainment95
- Jul 8
- 9 min read
Core Summary: Bold Huis Clos Amidst Earthquake and Secrets
"Confidente" (2025) is a bold and incisive drama directed by the Turkish-French duo Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti. Set in Ankara in 1999, the film follows Arzu (portrayed by the exceptional Saadet Işıl Aksoy), a woman working at an erotic call center. Her already difficult life spirals into danger when an earthquake strikes Istanbul and a young client, with whom she had just spoken, calls her back desperate, imploring her to save him from the rubble. This huis clos explores the condition of women in Turkey and the ability to tell stories as a means of survival, likening the protagonist to Scheherazade.
Snapshot: An Earthquake Unveils Secrets, A Voice Seeks Salvation
Ankara, 1999. At an erotic call center, Arzu answers calls, but an Istanbul earthquake binds her to a trapped client, forcing her into a desperate rescue mission that will reveal her true identity.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35451642/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/473909/
Link to watch: (industry professionals): https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/confidante
Deep Dive: Narrative as an Anchor in Chaos
"Confidente" (2025) is the fourth feature film from the directing duo Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti, known for their approach that blends documentary and fiction, often working with people who play roles based on their own life experiences. The film premiered at the Berlinale 2025 in the Panorama section.
Context and Plot: The story takes place in Ankara in 1999, a period marked by a devastating earthquake. Arzu, whose real name is Sabiha, works in an erotic call center, a profession that forces her to create fictional identities. Her routine is disrupted when an earthquake hits Istanbul, and a young client calls her from the rubble, begging her to save him. This event catapults Sabiha into a life-or-death situation, where her ability to narrate and her "confidante" relationship with the other become tools for survival.
Characters and Performance: The entire film rests on the shoulders of Saadet Işıl Aksoy, whose portrayal of Arzu/Sabiha has been described as "exceptional." The cast also includes Erkan Kolçak Köstendil, Muhammet Uzuner, Nilgün Türksever, and İlber Uygar Kaboğlu.
Central Themes: The film addresses complex themes such as the condition of women in Turkey, the duality of identity, survival through storytelling ("our protagonist is like Scheherazade in One Thousand and One Nights — she must tell stories to survive"), and the impact of catastrophic events on the human psyche.
Narrative Style: It is described as a "huis clos" (a story set in a single location with few characters), suggesting a claustrophobic atmosphere and intense psychological exploration. The direction is noted as "harsh and bold."
Director's Lens: Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti's Intimate and Bold Approach
Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti are a French-Turkish directing duo who have been co-directing films since 2004. They are known for their distinctive style, which often involves immersing themselves in a specific territory and making unique encounters with people whose life experiences surpass even the best fiction.
Methodology: Their "modus operandi" involves spending time with people, listening to their stories, sculpting the raw material into a fictional character, and finally persuading the narrator to embody their own role in a specially written film. This approach gives their films unique authenticity and depth.
Previous Filmography: They have directed several short films selected for festivals such as Berlin, Locarno, and Clermont-Ferrand. Their previous feature films include "Noor" (Pakistan, 2012 / Cannes Acid), "Ningen" (Japan, 2013 / Toronto), and "Sibel" (Turkey, 2018), the latter of which won awards at Locarno and was invited to over 100 festivals, winning 40 awards and achieving significant public success.
Style in "Confidente": In "Confidente," their style manifests in an intense psychological drama that explores the female condition in Turkey through bold and direct storytelling, with a strong focus on the lead actress's performance.
Central Themes: Identity, Survival, Female Condition, Trauma, and Unexpected Bonds
Identity and Pseudonyms: Arzu's work at the call center forces her to create and inhabit different identities, exploring the theme of social masks and the true self.
Narrative as Survival: The comparison to Scheherazade highlights how storytelling becomes an essential mechanism for confronting and overcoming adversity.
Condition of Women in Turkey: The film offers a critical and bold look at the challenges and social pressures faced by women in the Turkish context.
Trauma and Resilience: The earthquake acts as a catalyst, bringing to light trauma and the human capacity to find strength and resilience in extreme circumstances.
Unexpected Connections: The relationship between Arzu and her trapped client highlights how unexpected bonds can form in moments of crisis, transcending social and professional barriers.
Why It Shines: An Intense and Revealing Drama
Intense and Bold Narrative: The film tackles complex themes courageously and uncompromisingly, offering a raw yet profound insight.
Extraordinary Performance: Saadet Işıl Aksoy's portrayal of Arzu/Sabiha is the beating heart of the film, bringing depth and vulnerability to the character.
Relevant Social Commentary: It offers a penetrating critique of the female condition and social dynamics in Turkey.
Distinctive Direction: Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti consolidate their unique style, blending authenticity and fiction to create a powerful cinematic experience.
Engaging Atmosphere: The "huis clos" setting and the tension arising from the earthquake create a claustrophobic and compelling atmosphere.
Critics Reception: Applauded for Boldness and Depth
"Confidente" has received positive reviews, particularly after its premiere at the Berlinale 2025.
"Harsh and Bold": Cineuropa described it as a "harsh and bold huis clos on the condition of women in Turkey," praising the directors' ability to tackle difficult subjects with force.
Saadet Işıl Aksoy's Performance: The lead actress's performance has been universally acclaimed as "exceptional," recognizing her central role in the film's success.
Thematic Relevance: Critics have appreciated how the film uses Arzu's narration as a metaphor for survival, connecting it to the mythical figure of Scheherazade.
Conscious Direction: The directors have been praised for their ability to create a work that is both psychologically intense and socially relevant.
Audience Reactions: An Emotional and Revealing Experience
Audiences who appreciate "Confidente" will likely be drawn to:
Intense Psychological Dramas: Those looking for films that explore the depths of the human psyche and complex relationships.
International Arthouse Cinema: Viewers interested in unique cinematic voices and stories from diverse cultures.
Relevant Social Themes: Those who want a film that stimulates reflection on gender and societal issues.
Powerful Performances: Admirers of actors capable of bringing complex and multifaceted characters to the screen.
Stories of Resilience: Audiences seeking inspiration in the human capacity to overcome adversity.
Box Office Performance: Festival Success and Targeted Distribution
As an independent art-house film, "Confidente" is not intended for widespread commercial success at the box office. Its impact will be measured primarily by:
Festival Prestige: Its selection at the Berlinale 2025 and potential participation in other international festivals will increase its visibility and prestige.
Targeted Distribution: International sales by Pyramide International suggest distribution aimed at art-house cinemas, art-house streaming platforms, and specialized film markets.
Awards and Recognition: Any awards won at festivals will help strengthen its reputation and attract a wider audience within the independent cinema circuit.
Production Notes: An International Collaboration
International Title: Confidante
Directed by: Çağla Zencirci, Guillaume Giovanetti
Written by: Çağla Zencirci, Guillaume Giovanetti
Main Cast: Saadet Işıl Aksoy (Arzu / Sabiha), Erkan Kolçak Köstendil, Muhammet Uzuner, Nilgün Türksever, İlber Uygar Kaboğlu
Genre: Drama (Fiction)
Production Countries: Turkey, France, Luxembourg
Language: Turkish
Runtime: 76 minutes
Cinematography: Eric Devin
Editing: Guerric Catala
Producers: Çağla Zencirci, Guillaume Giovanetti, Muriel Merlin, Rani Massalha
Executive Producers: Fehmi Öztürk
Co-producers: Lilian Eche, Christel Henon
Release Year: 2025
Locations: Ankara, Turkey (and Istanbul mentioned)
Production Company: A European Consortium
"Confidente" is the result of an international co-production involving several companies:
İİ Film (Turkey)
Les Films du Tambour (France)
3B Productions (France)
Bidibul Productions (Luxembourg)
This collaboration reflects the transnational nature of the project and the directors' ability to attract support from various European countries.
Sales & Distribution: Pyramide International at the Helm
International Sales Agent: Pyramide International acquired global sales rights for "Confidente" ahead of its Berlinale 2025 premiere. This indicates a distribution strategy focused on the international festival market and film sales.
Festival: The selection for Berlinale Panorama is a crucial launching pad for the film, ensuring visibility and interest from buyers and critics.
Release: The film is scheduled for release in France on August 6, 2025.
Release Timeline: From Berlinale to the World
World Premiere: Berlinale 2025 (Panorama)
France Release: August 6, 2025
Reference Year: 2025 (for broader distribution and recognition)
Why See It: An Emotional and Intellectual Journey
If you are drawn to:
Intense Psychological Dramas: A profound exploration of the human mind in extreme circumstances.
Stories of Empathy and Connection: How unexpected bonds can emerge from crisis.
Arthouse Cinema with a Strong Message: A film that isn't afraid to tackle complex social themes.
High-Level Acting Performances: The opportunity to witness an exceptional portrayal.
Innovative Direction: Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti's unique approach to storytelling.
Why Watch: If You Seek Depth and Boldness
Watch it if:
You appreciate films that make you think: "Confidente" offers insights into the human and social condition.
You are interested in survival dynamics: How people adapt and find strength in the face of catastrophic events.
You are looking for a cinemati experience that emotionally challenges you: The film promises to be an emotional rollercoaster.
You are fascinated by contemporary Turkish culture: An immersion in a specific cultural context, but with universal themes.
Movie Trend: The Return of Huis Clos and Feminist Cinema
"Confidente" fits into several contemporary cinematic trends:
The Return of Huis Clos: The film uses the "closed-door" format to intensify psychological tension and character dynamics, a trend that allows for a deep exploration of human relationships in limited spaces.
Feminist Cinema and the Condition of Women: The film focuses on the condition of women in Turkey, contributing to the growing body of cinematic works that explore the challenges, struggles, and resilience of women in specific cultural contexts.
Transnational Cinema and Co-productions: The co-production between Turkey, France, and Luxembourg reflects the increasingly common trend of cinematic projects that transcend national borders, fostering diversity of perspectives and funding.
Social Trend: Human Vulnerability in the Face of Catastrophes and Digital Solitude
The film touches on two important social trends:
Human Vulnerability in the Face of Natural Disasters: The 1999 earthquake is not just a narrative element but a symbol of human fragility in the face of nature's force, a timeless theme in a world affected by extreme climatic events.
Solitude and Digital Connection (Pre-Digital Era): Although set in 1999, the theme of the erotic call center and "remote" connection somehow anticipates the dynamics of solitude in the digital age and the search for intimacy (even if fictional) through non-traditional means. The film explores how, even in a transactional context, a genuine plea for help and a human connection can emerge.
Final Conclusions: A Bold Vocal Odyssey into the Turkish Soul
"Confidente" (2025), directed with boldness and sensitivity by Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti, stands as an incisive and profoundly relevant cinematic work. Through its intense "huis clos" and Saadet Işıl Aksoy's extraordinary performance, the film not only captures the drama of an earthquake and the desperate search for salvation but also bravely delves into the complex condition of women in Turkey and the cathartic power of storytelling. It's a film that, like Scheherazade, uses stories to survive, leaving the viewer with a lasting emotional resonance and a deep reflection on human resilience and the unexpected bonds that can arise even from the rubble.
Recommendations for Filmmakers: The Art of Telling Stories with Courage
Embrace the Intensity of the "Huis Clos": Consider how spatial limitations can amplify psychological tension and character depth, making every interaction meaningful.
Give Voice to Marginalized Stories: Seek out characters and contexts that offer unique and often overlooked perspectives, such as the condition of women in unconventional sectors.
Leverage Acting Performance: Invest in casting actors capable of carrying a film almost single-handedly, allowing their portrayal to convey much of the narrative and emotion.
Recommendations for the Film Industry: Support Bold Voices and Relevant Narratives
Promote International Arthouse Cinema: Continue to support co-productions that offer authentic insights into diverse cultures and global themes, such as the female condition and the impact of catastrophes.
Value Festival Films: Use selection and awards at festivals like the Berlinale to give visibility to works that, while not blockbusters, possess profound artistic and social value.
Invest in "Difficult" Narratives: Don't shy away from financing and distributing films that tackle complex and uncomfortable subjects, as these are often the ones that generate
Final Verdict: A Resonant Whisper from the Rubble of Humanity
"Confidente" (2025), a compelling and audacious collaboration from Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti, stands as a powerful testament to the human spirit's resilience in the face of both personal turmoil and literal catastrophe. Through its intense huis clos and Saadet Işıl Aksoy's extraordinary performance, the film transforms a phone sex operator's desperate call into a poignant exploration of identity, survival, and the profound, unexpected connections forged in moments of crisis. It's a cinematically rich and emotionally raw journey that uses storytelling as a lifeline, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer and cementing its place as a crucial voice in contemporary global cinema.
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